SafePlants

Green Antelopehorn Milkweed (Asclepias viridis)

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is a milkweed, suggesting it may contain milky sap.

Common Names

• Green Antelopehorn
• Spider Milkweed
• Green Milkweed

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Asclepias viridis Walter
• Family: Asclepiadaceae (Milkweed Family)
• Formerly classified in Asclepiadaceae, now part of the dogbane family.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the southcentral and southeastern United States.
• Common in pastures from Kansas to Texas.
• Grows in dry, grassy, often overgrazed fields.
• Found along roadsides.

Morphological Characteristics

• A native, perennial forb or herb.
• Leaves are alternate, simple, lance-shaped, and entire with wavy margins.
• Stems are spreading.
• Leaves are ovate, 2-5 inches long and -2 inches wide.
• Flowers are large, five-parted, green with purple centers, and grouped in large clusters.
• Curved, horn-shaped seed pods.

Ecological Role

• Generally avoided by cattle.
• Important for Texas butterfly gardening and Monarch migration.
• A monarch host plant that attracts butterflies.

Quirky Facts

• The Kansas Native Plant Society (KNPS) named Spider Milkweed (Asclepias viridis) as their 2015 Wildflower of the Year.
• The plant's common name, Green Antelopehorn, comes from its curved, horn-shaped seed pods.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Nectar is located in the five purple and white hoods located in the center of each flower.
• Attracts nectar-seeking insects.
• Possible interactions with *Strigoderma* beetles.

Additional Resources

• Discover Life provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Asclepias viridis.
• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database.
• Encyclopedia of Life.
• Dave's Garden.